Temperature responsive inking apparatus for a printing machine

ABSTRACT

Cooperating counter rotating inking rollers form a gap for an ink film, and are pressed against each other by temperature responsive adjustable bimetal springs for maintaining the gap at constant width and constant pressure, irrespective of thermal expansion or contraction of the cooperating inking rollers.

United States Patent i191 l45l June l0, 1975 Ritzerfeld [54] TEMPERATURE RESPONSIVE INKING 3,163,109 12/1964 Stelling, Jr. lOl/349 N M Hm 3,276,363 i0/i966 Kuchenbecker er al 10i/349 APPARATUS FOR A PRINT! G AC E 3,283,712 11/1966 Chambon lOl/350 [76] Inventor: Gerhard Ritzerfeld, Schorlemer 3,404,625 l0/l968 White lOl/|48 Allee 14, 1000 Berlin 33, Germany 3,673,959 7/1972 Jezuit..... lOl/|48 3,688,694 9/1972 Preuss lOl/|48 [22] Fled Feb- 26 1973 3,749,011 7/1973 Abendrmh er al M14/14s [21] APPL No.: 335,919 3,762,323 10/1973 Hanka loi/35o Primary Examiner-J. Reed Fisher [30] Fore'gn Apphcatlo" pnonty Data Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Michael S. Striker Feb. 28, 1972 Germany 2210020 [521 u s. ci. 10i/35o [57] ABSTRACT [5 l] lm. Cl B4lf 31/32 Cooperating Counter rotating inking rollers form a gap [58] Field or Search 73/363.5, 363.7, 363.9; for an ink lm, and are pressed against each other by 236/101 R; 101/349-352, 148, 206, 207-209 temperature responsive adjustable bimetal springs for maintaining the gap at constant width and constant l 56] References Cited pressure, irrespective of thermal expansion or contrac- UNITED STATES PATENTS tion of the cooperating inking rollers. 2,276,525 3/1942 Trotter lOl/350 9 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures ull nl 2 "fn-:lll l "nlm" l TEMPERATURE RESPONSIVE INKING APPARATUS FOR A PRINTING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an inking device for rotary printing or duplicating machines, in which the inking device is provided for producing an inkfilm of constant thickness on an inking roller and on the printing form.

In a known inking device, the applicator roller and the ink roller are rotated in the same direction, and the rotary speed of the ink roller is variable for adjusting a desired thickness of the ink film on the applicator roller. The greater the rotary speed of the ink roller is, the lesser is the thickness of the ink film on the applicator roller.

Another possibility for adjusting the amount of ink is the use of an ink plate together with a duct roller.

The German AS 1,266,315 discloses a regulated motor, or regulated transmission for regulating the rotary speed of the ink roller. The German AS l,l23,34l discloses manually operated threaded adjusting means for adjusting the ink blade, or the rollers.

The devices of the prior art have the disadvantage that they have to be operated not only before the start of a printing operation, but also during the printing operation in the event that the amount of supplied ink varies due to thermal expansion or contraction of the ink rollers caused by a temperature change. As a result, the ink supply has to be continuously observed and adjustments carried out.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is one object of the invention to overcome this disadvantages of the prior art inking devices, and to provide an inking device in which the amount of ink supplied to the printing roller is automatically adjusted in accordance with fluctuations of the room temperature, or the temperature of the printing machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide temperature responsive control means for automatically adjusting the gap between two ink rollers and the pressure between the same so that the ink film on the applicator roller remains constant when the ink rollers expand or contract due to temperature fluctuations.

Another object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive automatic inking device for producing an ink film of constant thickness on a transfer ink roller receiving a constant amount of ink from a metering ink roller.

For regulating the width of the gap and the pressure between the two ink rollers, stacks of bimetal strips abut the bearings of the metering ink roller for urging the same toward the transfer roller in accordance with the prevailing temperature.

Generally speaking, an apparatus in accordance with the invention comprises a first ink roller mounted on supporting means for rotation; a second ink roller cooperating with the first roller for supplying ink thereto, means for supplying ink to the second ink roller; mounting means including means supporting the second ink roller for rotation, the mounting means supporting the second ink roller also for movement toward and away from the first ink roller; and temperature responsive control means, preferably including stacks of bimetal sprin gs, engaging the mounting means for moving the second ink roller toward and away from the first roller.

In this manner, an ink-containing gap of constant width, and also constant pressure, is maintained between the first and second ink rollers, irrespective of the thermal expansion and contraction of the first and second ink rollers.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, two stacks of bimetal springs are provided which have free movable ends carrying adjustable spindles engaging bearings in which the second ink roller is mounted.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention, itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description 0f specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is fragmentary side view, partially in section, illustrating an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of the embodiment of FIG. l.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A first roller 7 is mounted in bearing brackets 8 and 9 on a pair of supporting walls 5 and 6, and transfers ink to a roller 37 which cooperates with the roller 39 so that the printing roller is inked. A mounting means in the form of a pair of levers 2 is mounted on a shaft 4 for angular movement with a second roller 1 supported in bearings 32, 33 at the lower end of levers 2. Since the mounting means 2, 32, 33 of roller l are angularly movable about the axis of the shaft 4, roller l is movable with mounting means 2, 32, 33 toward and away from roller 7 forming therewith a gap or clearance in which a film of ink is located.

The rollers 1 and 7 are rotated by meshing gears 39 and 40 of different diameters so that roller l rotates in the clockwise direction A, and roller 7 rotates in the counter clockwise direction B. The gear transmission ratio is designed so that transfer ink roller 7 rotates at a lesser speed than metering ink roller l, for example at a rotary speed which is 3% less than the rotary speed of ink roller 1. A driven shaft l0 is provided across an ink container 13 containing ink 14, and carries applicator varies 11 and l2 for transporting the ink 14 during each revolution of shaft 10 to the ink roller l.

A support 15 has ends secured to the supporting walls 5 and 6, and carries, by means of screws, two supporting blocks 16 and 17 in which stacks of bimetal springs 18 to 2l, and 22 to 2S are mounted, respectively.

The free ends of the bimetal springs 2l and 2S have threaded bores 26 and 27, while the other bimetal springs 19 to 24 are provided with aligned openings, registering with the threaded bores 26 and 27, so that threaded spindles 28 and 29, which are located in the threaded bores 26 and 27, can be mannually adjusted to press against the bearings 32 and 33 of the mounting means 4, 2, 32, 33 of ink roller l. When the bimetal springs are deformed by a decreased or increased temperature, greater or lower pressure, respectively, is exerted by spindles 30 and 3l to angularly displace the mounting means 2, 32, 33 about the shaft 4 so that the ink roller l is pressed against ink roller 7 by different forces, increasing or decreasing the pressure between the ink rollers l and 7 to compensate for the thermal contraction or expansion of the respective parts.

Upon loosening the counter nuts 34 and 35, the spindles 28 and 29 can be adjusted and then secured in the adjusted position corresponding to a predetermined width of the gap between rollers l and 7. During temperature changes, this predetermined gap width is maintained automatically by the action ofthe bimetal springs so that always the correct amount of ink forming a film of predetermined desired thickness is produced on roller 37 and on the printing roller. The accumulation 36 of ink between ink rollers l and 7 assures a uniform film on ink roller 7 which is transferred to the printing form, not shown.

The once adjusted gap between ink rollers 1 and 7, and thereby the precise amount of ink, is maintained constant even if the room temperature or machine temperature fluctuates and varies the diameters of the ink rollers l and 7.

When the temperature rises. the bimetal springs reduce the pressure between rollers 1 and 7, and when the temperature drops, roller l is pressed against roller 7 by the tips 30, 3l of the adjusting spindles 28, 29.

lt will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of inking apparatus for printing machines differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a temperature responsive inking device including bimetal means for adjusting relative position between two cooperating ink rollers, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown` since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the pres` ent invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore. such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

l claim:

1. Temperature responsive inking apparatus for a printing machine, comprising a first ink roller rotatable about a fixed axis; a second ink roller cooperating with said first ink roller for supplying ink thereto; means for supplying ink to said second ink roller; mounting means supporting said second ink roller for rotation Iabout its axis and for movement toward and away from said first ink roller; and temperature responsive control means engaging said mounting means for pressing said second ink roller towards said first ink roller with a force decreasing with increase ofthe temperature of the apparatus and vice versa so as to automatically maintain between said first and second ink rollers an inkcontaining gap of substantially constant width,

2. lnking apparatus as claimed in claim l, comprising drive means including first and second meshing gears secured to said first and second ink rollers for rotation therewith so that said first and second ink rollers rotate in opposite directions; and wherein the diameter of said first gear is greater than the diameter of said second gear so that said first gear rotates slower than said second gear.

3. inking apparatus as claimed in claim l, comprising stationary supporting means supporting said mounting means for angular movement about an axis spaced from the axis of said second roller.

4. Temperature responsive inking apparatus for a printing machine, comprising a first ink roller rotatable about a fixed axis; a second ink roller cooperating with said first ink roller for supplying ink thereto; means for supplying ink to said second ink roller; mounting means supporting said second ink roller for rotation about its axis and for movement toward and away from said first ink roller; control means including bimetal means abutting said mounting means for pressing said second ink roller toward said first ink roller with a force decreasing with increase of the temperature of the apparatus and vice versa so as to maintain between said first and second ink rollers an ink-containing gap of substantially constant width; and drive means including first and second meshing gears secured to said first and second ink rollers for rotation therewith so that said first and second ink rollers rotate in opposite directions, the diameter of said first gear being greater than the diameter of said second gear so that said first gear rotates slower than said second gear.

5. Temperature responsive inking apparatus for a printing machine, comprising a first ink roller rotatable about a fixed axis; a second ink roller cooperating with said first ink roller for supplying ink thereto; means for supplying ink to said second ink roller; mounting means supporting said second ink roller for rotation about its axis and for movement toward and away from said first ink roller; and control means engaging said mounting means for pressing said second ink roller towards said first ink roller with a force decreasing with increase of the temperature of the apparatus and vice versa, so as to maintain between said first and second ink rollers an inkcontaining gap of substantially constant width, said control means including at least one stack of bimetal springs` and a threaded spindle adjustably mounted on said stack and having one end abutting said mounting means.

6. Temperature responsive inking apparatus for a printing machine, comprising a first ink roller rotatable about a fixed axis; a second ink roller cooperating with said first ink roller for supplying ink thereto; means for supplying ink to said second ink roller; mounting means supporting said second ink roller for rotation about its axis and for movement toward and away from said first ink roller', two supporting walls mounting said first ink roller for rotation, and said supporting means for angular movement with said second ink roller; a support parallel to said second ink roller; and control means including a pair of resilient bimetal means secured to said support and abutting said mounting means for pressing said second ink roller towards said first ink roller with a force decreasing with increase of the temperature of the apparatus and vice versa, so as to maintain between said first and second ink rollers ari ink-containing gap of substantially' constant width.

7. lnking apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of said resilient bimetal means includes a stack of bimetal springs secured at one end to said support` and a threaded spindle adjustably mounted on the other end of the respective stack and engaging said mounting means.

8. lnking apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said mounting means include a pair of levers having first ends mounted on said supporting walls for angular movement, and including bearings for said second roller located at the other ends of said levers; and wherein said threaded spindles engage said bearings, respectively.

9. Temperature responsive inking apparatus for a printing machine` comprising a first ink roller rotatable about a xed axis; a second ink roller cooperating with said first ink roller for supplying ink thereto; means for supplying ink to said second ink roller; mounting means supporting said second ink roller for rotation about its axis and for movement toward and away from said first ink roller; and control means comprising a stationary support and at least one bimetal spring mounted at one end on said support and operatively connected to the other end thereof to said mounting means for pressing said second ink roller towards said first ink roller with a force decreasing with increase of the temperature of the apparatus and vice versa so as to automatically maintain between said first and second ink rollers an ink-containing gap of substantially constant width.

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1. Temperature responsive inking apparatus for a printing machine, comprising a first ink roller rotatable about a fixed axis; a second ink roller cooperating with said first ink roller for supplying ink thereto; means for supplying ink to said second ink roller; mounting means supporting said second ink roller for rotation about it axis and for movement toward and away from said first ink roller; and temperature responsive control means engaging said mounting means for pressing said second ink roller towards said first ink roller with a force decreasing with increase of the temperature of the apparatus and vice versa so as to automatically maintain between said first and second ink rollers an ink-containing gap of substantially constant width.
 2. Inking apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising drive means including first and second meshing gears secured to said first and second ink rollers for rotation therewith so that said first and second ink rollers rotate in opposite directions; and wherein the diameter of said first gear is greater than the diameter of said second gear so that said first gear rotates slower than said second gear.
 3. Inking apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising stationary supporting means supporting said mounting means for angular movement about an axis spaced from the axis of said second roller.
 4. Temperature responsive inking apparatus for a printing machine, comprising a first ink roller rotatable about a fixed axis; a second ink roller cooperating with said first ink roller for supplying ink thereto; means for supplying ink to said second ink roller; mounting means supporting said second ink roller for rotation about its axis and for movement toward and away from said first ink roller; control means including bimetal means abutting said mounting means for pressing said second ink roller toward said first ink roller with a force decreasing with increase of the temperature of the apparatus and vice versa so as to maintain betweeN said first and second ink rollers an ink-containing gap of substantially constant width; and drive means including first and second meshing gears secured to said first and second ink rollers for rotation therewith so that said first and second ink rollers rotate in opposite directions, the diameter of said first gear being greater than the diameter of said second gear so that said first gear rotates slower than said second gear.
 5. Temperature responsive inking apparatus for a printing machine, comprising a first ink roller rotatable about a fixed axis; a second ink roller cooperating with said first ink roller for supplying ink thereto; means for supplying ink to said second ink roller; mounting means supporting said second ink roller for rotation about its axis and for movement toward and away from said first ink roller; and control means engaging said mounting means for pressing said second ink roller towards said first ink roller with a force decreasing with increase of the temperature of the apparatus and vice versa, so as to maintain between said first and second ink rollers an ink-containing gap of substantially constant width, said control means including at least one stack of bimetal springs, and a threaded spindle adjustably mounted on said stack and having one end abutting said mounting means.
 6. Temperature responsive inking apparatus for a printing machine, comprising a first ink roller rotatable about a fixed axis; a second ink roller cooperating with said first ink roller for supplying ink thereto; means for supplying ink to said second ink roller; mounting means supporting said second ink roller for rotation about its axis and for movement toward and away from said first ink roller; two supporting walls mounting said first ink roller for rotation, and said supporting means for angular movement with said second ink roller; a support parallel to said second ink roller; and control means including a pair of resilient bimetal means secured to said support and abutting said mounting means for pressing said second ink roller towards said first ink roller with a force decreasing with increase of the temperature of the apparatus and vice versa, so as to maintain between said first and second ink rollers an ink-containing gap of substantially constant width.
 7. Inking apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of said resilient bimetal means includes a stack of bimetal springs secured at one end to said support, and a threaded spindle adjustably mounted on the other end of the respective stack and engaging said mounting means.
 8. Inking apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said mounting means include a pair of levers having first ends mounted on said supporting walls for angular movement, and including bearings for said second roller located at the other ends of said levers; and wherein said threaded spindles engage said bearings, respectively.
 9. Temperature responsive inking apparatus for a printing machine, comprising a first ink roller rotatable about a fixed axis; a second ink roller cooperating with said first ink roller for supplying ink thereto; means for supplying ink to said second ink roller; mounting means supporting said second ink roller for rotation about its axis and for movement toward and away from said first ink roller; and control means comprising a stationary support and at least one bimetal spring mounted at one end on said support and operatively connected to the other end thereof to said mounting means for pressing said second ink roller towards said first ink roller with a force decreasing with increase of the temperature of the apparatus and vice versa so as to automatically maintain between said first and second ink rollers an ink-containing gap of substantially constant width. 